Wynwood in one afternoon: street art and what to wear

Wynwood is Miami’s street-art neighborhood, a few minutes north of downtown, and it might be the most photographed few blocks in Florida. Almost every wall is painted, the murals change all the time, and there’s always someone mid-photoshoot on the sidewalk. Usually it’s me.

Before the murals, Wynwood was full of warehouses and factories, including a garment district where clothes were made and sold. As someone building her own fashion label, I love that part of its story. Here’s how I’d spend one afternoon there.

Start in the middle of the afternoon

Wynwood is a walking neighborhood and the Florida sun is no joke, so for most of the year I don’t start before 3 pm. That gives you a couple of hours to explore, then golden hour for photos, then the evening, when the streets get lively.

Getting there is easy. Ride-share drops you right in the middle, there are parking garages if you drive, and the City of Miami’s free trolley has a route through the area. Wear shoes you can walk in: the sidewalks are uneven, and you’ll cover more ground than you expect.

The Wynwood Walls

The Wynwood Walls is the outdoor museum that started it all in 2009: a set of huge murals by artists from around the world, inside a walled garden in the middle of the neighborhood. The walls are repainted every so often, so even if you’ve been before, you’ll probably see something new.

It’s ticketed, so check the website before you go. Then do what most visitors don’t: keep walking. Some of the best work in Wynwood is on the streets around it, on loading doors, parking garages and side walls, and all of it is free to see.

Wander the side streets

Northwest 2nd Avenue is the main street, and it gets busy. I like to zigzag through the blocks east and west of it, where the murals are just as big and the sidewalks are calmer. Look up, too: some of the best pieces are three stories high.

A few habits that make you a good guest:

• Don’t touch the walls. The paint can be fresh, and many murals are looked after by the artists.
• Ask before photographing people, including artists who are working.
• Credit the artist when you post. Their name is usually painted somewhere in a corner.
• Keep the sidewalk clear. If you’re taking 40 photos (no judgment), step aside between them.

Golden hour is your best friend

The hour before sunset is when Wynwood looks its best. The light turns warm and soft, the colors in the murals glow, and the harsh shadows disappear. For photos of yourself, stand a few steps away from the wall instead of right against it. You’ll get a little depth, and the mural becomes a backdrop instead of wallpaper.

My best friend Kai, who shoots most of my photos, always says: pick a wall that matches your outfit, or an outfit that doesn’t fight the wall. Which brings me to my favorite part.

What to wear in Wynwood

Wynwood is hot, bright and very colorful, so dress for all three.

• Keep it simple against busy walls. Solid colors and neutrals, like ivory, sand, white or black, stand out against a loud mural. Busy prints tend to disappear into it.
• Or match one color. If a mural has a strong teal or terracotta, wear that one color and let it tie the photo together.
• Choose breathable fabrics. Linen, cotton and loose cuts. Skip anything that shows the heat if you’re planning photos.
• Wear real shoes. Clean sneakers or flat sandals. Heels and uneven sidewalks do not mix.
• Bring a small bag. A belt bag or a crossbody keeps your hands free and your phone close.
• Pack sun protection. Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat if you can stand one.

My go-to Wynwood outfit is a cropped ivory tee, sand cargo pants, white sneakers and a tan belt bag. It works in front of almost any wall, and I can walk for hours in it. You can see it in my gallery, next to a terracotta linen set I wore for a golden-hour shoot there.

Stay for the evening

As the sun goes down, Wynwood changes. Galleries and shops stay open later, music drifts out of open doors, and the food trucks and restaurants fill up. There’s food for every mood, so I usually just follow whatever smells best.

If you love art beyond the murals, the galleries in the neighborhood are worth a look, and many hold their openings in the evening. Check what’s on before you go.

My one-afternoon plan

1. Arrive around 3 pm and walk the side streets first, while they’re quieter.
2. Visit the Wynwood Walls.
3. Take a break somewhere with air conditioning and a cold drink.
4. Shoot your golden-hour photos at the walls you saved earlier.
5. Have dinner, then take one last slow walk under the lights.

Some of the color stories I find in Wynwood end up on the mood boards for my label. It’s that kind of place: you leave with ideas.

Going soon? Tell me which wall you’re starting with in the chat, and I’ll tell you if it’s a good match for your outfit.